Doggone Shopping

Jan 24, 2022 10:10AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan

Going to a shopping center can be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love to people-watch, window-shop, and be entertained? Our four-legged friends also like it; they get to socialize, check out new scents, and take a nice walk. Plus, let’s not forget they love the car ride getting there. Several shopping malls in Southwest Florida welcome dogs; some even host dog-adoption events.

At Mercato in Naples, many establishments offer dog-friendly patios, and many retail stores are dog-friendly. For a complete list of where you can bring your leashed dog, visit https://mercatoshops.com/stores/?category=dog-friendly.

Although only service animals are allowed at Edison Mall in Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Humane Society hosts the Mall Mutts event the second Thursday of every month from 11:30 am. “Several furry ambassadors walk the mall during the event,” says Brian Wierima, GCHS community relations coordinator. Mall Mutts is held in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Outreach Center—where the event starts and ends. The public is welcome to enjoy donuts and coffee. In Estero both Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets are pet friendly; Miromar also has a monthly Mall Mutts event.